Before Ryne Sandberg sent Tyler Cloyd from the dugout to the bullpen in the 11th inning he made a phone call. The Phillies needed to know if Roy Halladay could start in the majors — not double A — before burning Cloyd Sunday's scheduled pitcher.

The first call went to general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. who was not in Philadelphia. He communicated with Halladay already in Reading to prepare for his start and found approval. Halladay will drive back to Citizens Bank Park in the morning for his triumphant return from May shoulder surgery.

"I believe he was our best option for tomorrow" Sandberg said. "Just give us what he has."

Halladay was supposed to pitch in his third minor-league rehab game for Reading. He was shaky in his previous two outings displaying diminished velocity and command issues. The 36-year-old former Cy Young Award winner must refine it in the majors.